Exchange Chambers shortlisted for National Autistic Society Award

January 20, 2016

Exchange Chambers has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Family Support Award at the 2016 Autism Professionals Awards.

The Autism Professionals Awards recognise services and professionals who are leading the way in innovative autism practice and making a real difference to the lives of autistic people in the UK.

“We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award,” said Director of Chambers, Tom Handley.

“Five years ago, we entered into a pioneering pro-bono alliance with the NAS.

“Until then, although volunteers from the NAS Tribunal Support Scheme had provided telephone advice and support to parents seeking to challenge local authority decisions regarding their children’s special educational needs, they had generally been unable to offer representation at hearings. Many parents, already exhausted by the demands of caring for a child with a lifelong disability, were understandably daunted by the prospect of arguing their case before the Special Educational Needs Tribunal.

“Barristers from Chambers now provide free legal representation at such hearings, using their strong advocacy skills to empower and represent parents in the most effective way.”

The winners will be announced on 1 March 2016.  http://www.autismprofessionalsawards.org.uk/finalists.html